When a mafia princess falls for a two-bit hoodlum an unhappy don plays some rough games in order to separate the two lovers.

Sean O’Donnell is a man who always keeps his word, especially to a lady. His good-for-nothing old man left his mother flat. When she gets ill, Sean assures her that he will never be like his father; if he makes a promise he will keep it, no matter what the cost. When local mob boss Mario Torretta’s daughter Nicole falls for Sean, the Don is not pleased, and makes it known that Sean is not good enough for his princess. However, Nicole is in love and begs Sean to stick by her. Once Sean gives his word, no amount of pressure from the Don will weaken his resolve. Sean will endure and persevere to keep his promise to Nicole, and to his mother.

Skin Games Book Review

“The author said that this book is emotionally charged. Well, I just have to say is that it is sooo true! And SO MUCH MORE! I cried, got scared big time, troubled, and most importantly, it got me curious. Curiosity that made me finish the book in one sitting. I also loved Sean and Nicole - they are so good together.” – Ara of My Book and My Coffee

This book, Skin Games, was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

As you probably know, I have a great interest in crime and thriller novels as well. I really don't know why. Before I start my review, I just want to remind all of you that Skin Games is a crime drama. The book includes violence as expected.

Let’s talk about the story. To tell you honestly, when I started to read the first chapter of the book, I was a bit confused. I had to check the book description again to see if I have the correct book. I did, so I continued reading. After the first chapter, the confusion turned into curiosity. I became really interested to know more. After the second chapter, I found myself smiling and feeling excited to continue reading. The way the author wrote the story flow was a bit out of the ordinary but it’s rather appealing. I like it. It was really detailed. It’s a story. *hint hint* :)

Sean O’Donnell is the main character in this book. I actually don’t know if I will like him or not. He’s one of those bad boys that you’ll love and hate… but you’ll love him because he’s a man of his word. I mean, one way or the other, you’ll really love him because he’s a man with ‘balls’. He’s a donkey (you’ll get that reference too when you read the book *wink*) and when he says that he loves you and he’ll stand by you, he will – even though it means that he’ll take a beating. And not just a beating, a super painful and deadly beating.

He is one of those bad boys. But wait, define “Bad Boy”, right? He’s not one of those hoodlums that just wanted to have fun and kill people. He doesn’t have a license to kill, no, he’s not 007. He was once a young, innocent boy once who, under challenging circumstances, needed to grow up and fast because he just needs to. He needed to be strong for his mother. He was a teenager who was led to a certain path. And now, he’s the bad boy who fell in love with the mafia princess. Bad boy + Nice girl with super duper bad boy father = I don't even want to answer.

The mafia princess, Nicole, falls in love with Sean, too. She’s really cool and I felt that she’s a bit clueless. Anyway, it’s like Romeo and Juliet all over again. Although, this time, Juliet’s father is worse than ever, and I mean to the highest level. Bad, bad, bad.

In all fairness, I really felt Sean and Nicole’s connection. They simply clicked. The author did a good job in writing their love for each other. I was in. I don’t want to divulge any more information as I think it will be giving too much already. :) You have to read the book in order to know what happened next.

I actually didn’t expect the ending to be that way. I wanted it to end differently but the way it ended was somehow realistic. And I can understand that.

To all my friends, followers, readers and visitors, if you have an interest in crime drama / crime thriller books, then you should really read Skin Games. It’s a very good read for me. I’m giving it 4.5 stars.

At times disturbing and grim, others raunchy and comical, Adam Pepper's work is known for a unique blend of horror, suspense and speculative fiction. MEMORIA, Adam's debut novel, reached #1 on the Dark Delicacies Best Seller list and received rave reviews from Cemetery Dance and Chronicle. "Super Fetus," his outrageous bizarro novella was called "In-your-face, allegorical social commentary" by esteemed reviewer, Paul Goat Allen. His quick-hitting short work has appeared in genre magazines including THE BEST OF HORRORFIND, Vol. 2 and SPACE AND TIME. Adam's non-fiction credits span from NEW WOMAN MAGAZINE to THE JOURNAL NEWS. Learn more about Adam at his website: www.AdamPepper.com.

Welcome to “The Book Reviewer Is IN”.

So what is this feature? Basically, I wanted to feature or showcase books / eBooks / novels that I have ACCEPTED for review, and the ones that I have lined-up to read from my TBR pile (purchased from bookstore, Amazon, etc). And I wanted to create my own, so here it is. This is somehow inspired by Books, Biscuits, and Tea’s “Showcase Sunday”. The owner of the blog is Vicky, and she’s really nice.

This book meme / feature can be weekly, monthly or everyday (if you want). Anyone can participate. Want to join? Visit The Book Reviewer is IN page to know more. Remember, if you have posted your own "The Book Reviewer is IN" feature / meme, make sure that you submit your link below. It will be fun!

From my TBR pile:For today, I'm going to feature books that I've received from giveaways! :D

When Sophia and Drew McKibben's parents are killed in a tragic car accident, they are shipped off to live with an aunt they never even knew existed. Believing that they are moving to a privately owned island just off of the coast of Mystic, CT to live alone with her, they are surprised to find a sort of under-aged bed and breakfast.Sophia draws the attention of one of the locals, Falen, immediately. He always seems to know exactly what she is thinking, and to her frustration, everything she does seems to amuse him. When a newcomer to the island brings with him a sense of deja vu, she begins to ask herself the ultimate question: Am I going crazy?Sophia's world starts to unravel when she notices her own brother acting just as abnormal as the rest of them. When she begins to realize that the life she left behind looks even more bizarre then the one she was forced to leave it for, she's faced with a decision to make: embrace the new life that has been given to her, or drown in the past. Either choice brings with it more secrets and deceptions to unearth. The problem now is that the two worlds may actually be more intertwined than she thought.

In a world of mystery and magic, Daphne is unique.Unlike her friends, who have awakened to the magic inside of them, Daphne was born with it. Daphne was born a Dragon.When her past begins to resurface, forcing her into a web of lies and deception, she is forced to accept unexpected alliances and risk everything for the sake of love. Something that she swore she would never let into her life.As the newest installment of The Enchanted Island Series unfolds, she'll learn that nothing is ever what it seems, and when webs get this tangled, everyone's fate hangs in the balance, and nothing is coincidence.

Julie Charlton is at the breaking point. She's overwhelmed and burned out, and in today's unrelenting society, her kids are, too. When her sister-in-law Susan, a Martha Stewart-in-training, lands the chance to participate in a reality TV series promoting simple living, and needs another family to join her, it seems like the perfect opportunity.The location is an idyllic farm outside an Amish community in Tennessee. Julie, with her two children, joins Susan and her teenage daughter for a summer adventure. Susan needs to succeed in order to become self-sufficient after an ugly divorce, Julie needs to slow down long enough to remember what her priorities are and regain a sense of purpose and meaning. It becomes clear from the start that "living simple" is no simple matter. With the camera watching every move, Susan's drive for perfection feels a lot like what they left behind, while Julie suddenly finds herself needing to stand up for slowing down. With each new challenge, their season of "going Amish" gets more and more complicated, as each woman learns unexpected lessons about herself and her family.

I am lovin' these books! Again, I hope I can read them all right away but they are certainly lined up :D Anyway, how about you? What's on your list? Let me know in the comments :D Thanks!

Oh, if you want to join this book meme, please don't forget to leave your link below :D

Lending a sympathetic ear and dispensing sage words of advice is all part of the job for psychologist Pilar Alvarez, and she’s everything a good therapist should be: warm, compassionate, supportive. She listens, she cares, and she has all the answers, but how’s the woman everyone turns to in their hour of need supposed to cope when her own life starts to fall apart?

While working hard to make a success of her recently-opened practice in trendy South Beach, Pilar must also find time to cater to the demands of her boisterous Cuban family, which includes younger sister Izzy, an unemployed, navel-pierced wild child who can't stay out of trouble, and their mother, a beauty queen turned drama queen who’s equally obsessed with her fading looks and getting Pilar married before it’s “too late.” Although she’d like to oblige her mother and make a permanent love connection, Pilar’s romantic prospects look grim. Her cheating ex, who swears that he’s reformed, is stalking her. A hunky, but strictly off-limits, patient with bad-boy appeal and intimacy issues is making passes. And the sexy shrink in the suite across the hall has a gold band on his left ring finger.

When a series of personal and professional disasters lead Pilar into the arms of one of her unsuitable suitors, she's left shaken, confused, and full of self-doubt. With time running out, she must make sense of her feelings and learn to trust herself again so that she can save her business, her family, and most importantly, her heart.

In Need of Therapy Book Review

“In Need of Therapy is a very entertaining read. The author was able to create a compelling set of characters that will indubitably make you want to continue reading, and hopefully, finish it in one sitting. The ending did not disappoint.” – Ara @ My Book and My Coffee

As you know, I do accept review requests. In Need of Therapy was given to me by Tracie Banister herself in exchange for an honest review. Honest review coming up. ;)

I was really excited to read this book because I love Chick Lit and I have to admit that I love, love that cover! Don’t you just love that cover? Plus, after reading the book description, I know that I would want to know more about Pilar.

Let’s talk about the story. The story revolves around the main character, Pilar Alvarez, a psychologist, and a really good one already even though she’s just starting out. I love the plot. In this book, you will be introduced to a psychologist’s personal and professional struggles. It was really entertaining. I had the best time. I also love the pace of the story - just enough speed. It gives the readers the chance to get to know more characters which is important to complete the essence of the story and to understand the circumstances Pilar is faced with. It's definitely a fun, unique and enjoyable read.

Pilar’s character is totally relatable even though I am not a psychologist. The author did an awesome job describing her. She’s not perfect but her attitude towards her career is really promising. In real life, if all psychologists had her characteristics, I think there will be less psych patients in the world. And I am not sure whether it’s a good thing or bad. :D

Dr. Pilar Alvarez has a really fascinating family. Well, I find them really interesting. Her mom, her sisters, Ana and Izzy, and the rest of her relatives, they are amusing in their own way. I would think that just watching them at social gatherings (where they are all present) is better than watching cable.

Dr. Fordham or Ford. He is my favorite. I imagine him to be dreamy and yummy. He’s the perfect man, well, almost. But who cares? All I know is that he’s dreamy and yummy. Although, you know, I wanted to know more about his character. I wanted to get to know him better. Not because I am crushing on him, no, I won’t admit to that (my husband is reading all my reviews). :D I just thought that the details mentioned about him were not enough. I know that the story is supposed to be about Pilar, but you’ll know what I mean once you read the book. Don’t want to give out any spoilers. Anyway, I’m sure you’ll adore him, too. In the end, it confirmed my suspicion of this character.

I hated Victor. He is super annoying. Sadly, I had one ‘ex’ just like him in a way. Ego + 1 1/2 crazy = Never good.

In all honesty, I really loved this book. It was well written, and as I’ve mentioned, the characters were really convincing. But for me, I was looking for the ‘spark’ factor. I mean, I know this is chick lit, and not a romance novel, but I believe, in general, that for a romantic relationship to be really effective, it should have a certain spark. The ‘spark’ that will glimmer and make you want to be in love with the whole idea of a couple being together, finally. I am not saying that I didn’t like the idea of Pilar and man-shall-remain-nameless being together - I actually wanted them to be together. I just thought that they didn't have the 'spark' that I was looking for. Again, that’s just from my point of view.

You’ll know more when you read the book. I still highly recommend this book for all you lovelies. For chick lit lovers out there, In Need of Therapy is surely a must-devour book for you.

About the Author:

Photo courtesy of TracieBanister.blogspot.com

An avid reader and writer, Tracie Banister has been scribbling stories since she was a child, most of them featuring feisty heroines with complicated love lives like her favorite fictional protagonist Scarlett O'Hara. Her work was first seen on the stage of her elementary school, where her 4th grade class performed an original holiday play that she penned (Like all good divas-in-the-making, she, also, starred in and tried to direct the production.) Her dreams of authorial success were put on the backburner when she reached adulthood and discovered that she needed a "real" job in order to pay her bills. Her career as personal assistant to a local entrepreneur lasted for 12 years. When it ended, Tracie decided to follow her bliss and dedicate herself to writing full-time. Her debut novel, the Hollywood-themed BLAME IT ON THE FAME, was released in January, 2012. And she's following that up with the fun summer read, IN NEED OF THERAPY.

Tracie blogs about books and other fun stuff at http://traciebanister.blogspot.com/.Twitter: @traciebanister

7 random things about me:1. Would love to go to Paris someday.2. Can’t wait for new episodes of Bones3. I am always busy and stressed. Wow. There. I said it. HAHA4. I always have an alcohol beside me. 5. I love drinking iced tea (aside from coffee, of course). 6. Gadget lover7. I love Taylor Swift’s new single “We are Never Ever Getting Back Together”.My 15 nominees:

Welcome to “The Book Reviewer Is IN”.

So what is this feature? Basically, I wanted to feature or showcase books / eBooks / novels that I have ACCEPTED for review, and the ones that I have lined-up to read from my TBR pile (purchased from bookstore, Amazon, etc). And I wanted to create my own, so here it is. This is somehow inspired by Books, Biscuits, and Tea’s “Showcase Sunday”. The owner of the blog is Vicky, and she’s really nice.

This book meme / feature can be weekly, monthly or everyday (if you want). Anyone can participate. Want to join? Visit The Book Reviewer is IN page to know more. Remember, if you have posted your own "The Book Reviewer is IN" feature / meme, make sure that you submit your link below. It will be fun!

WHEELS is a YA, science fiction, adventure filled with mystery and romance—a coming-of-age tale that proves it takes more than super powers to save a planet.McKenzie Wu doesn’t know her great-great grandmother married an alien or that her great-great-great uncle is alive and systematically eliminating a race of beings on a tiny planet light years away—she has enough to worry about. Molecules keep rearranging themselves to suit her slightest wish, but only at the most inconvenient times. If that weren't enough, she’s been dreaming about an accident; one she’s had no memory of until now and, if true, means McKenzie is responsible for her mother’s death. When McKenzie stumbles upon a portal, transporting her and her friend Hayes to the tiny planet of Circanthos, she learns the inhabitants believe she is the “One” destined to save them from H.G. Wells, a name that sounds strangely familiar, and his Tsendi warriors. But while her newfound ability might give her superhero status back on Earth, halfway across the galaxy, it’s commonplace—all Circanthians can particle-weave—and if they can’t stop H.G. Wells, what can she hope to do?With the portal closed and no idea how to get home, McKenzie must learn to use a power she does not want and accept her mysterious past, or risk losing everything—her father’s love, her new alien friends and the boy.

Thirty-something Grace Savage has slogged through crummy jobs and dead-end relationships with men who would rather go bald than say “I do”. In search of respite from her current job, she visits Shaker Village in New Hampshire. Instead of renewal, she’s unnerved to learn that Shaker men and women lived and worked side by side in complete celibacy.When her longtime boyfriend dumps her instead of proposing, Grace avows the sexless Shaker ways. Resolved to stick to her new plan – dubbed the Shaker Plan – despite ovaries ticking like time bombs, she returns to her life in Pennsylvania. Almost immediately, she's juggling two eligible bachelors: Addison, a young beat reporter; and True, a venerable anthropology professor. Both men have ample charms and soul mate potential to test her newfound Shaker-style self-control, and Grace appears to be on the fast track to a marriage proposal… until secrets revealed deliver a death rattle to the Shaker Plan.

The Duck And The Doe is the tale of two immortal beings whose eternal love has soured a bit in the last two centuries. Written as a memoir by the "hero", this novella is a musing on both what love is and how much America has changed since the early 19th century. The first volume deals with both the supernatural and the racism of the old American south. Told with humor and passion (and the occasional rant) the story of these strong characters, including a wealthy young lawyer and a clever courtesan, will change your idea of what "love forever'' really means.

From my TBR pile:

I won! I won! I won! (doing Chandler's victory dance) ;) I was one of the five Feed Your Reader Giveaway Hop winners at Kimber's blog. Thanks so much, Kimber! ;) I chose ...

Jessie Boone is a self proclaimed bad boy and doesn’t march to the beat of anyone’s drum, but his own. Growing up in less than desirable circumstances has made him no stranger to the hard knock life and his determination to leave it behind is fierce. When he finds himself transferred to East Franklin High School, he sees his opportunity to use his athletic ability to snag a college football scholarship, but Forbes Henderson, the player Jessie means to replace isn’t giving up his spot willingly. In fact, Forbes is willing to go to extreme measures to retain his place as first string quarterback. When Forbes’ malicious plan to injure his replacement fails, Jessie is furious and determined to show him he messed with the wrong person; not only is he going to take the position of first string quarterback, he’s going to take his girl, too.

Claire Deveraux is perfection at it’s best. She is beautiful, intelligent and unaware she just became Jessie Boone’s conquest as revenge against her boyfriend, Forbes Henderson. Like her flawless performance as the perfect daughter and student, Claire’s production of being the perfect girlfriend has everyone fooled, except Jessie Boone, and she fears this tattooed bad boy will see her secret desire to explore his crude threats and promises to rock her perfect world. If she decides to give in to one uninhibited moment with Jessie, will she learn too late that it was all an act of vengeance or will Jessie learn the taste of first love is sweeter than that of revenge?

Definitely excited... and really hoping that I can read them all ASAP. *sigh*. Anyway, how about you? What's on your list? Let me know in the comments :D Thanks!

Twelve year old Eric Scott is called by Stig, a talking owl, to journey to another world to save a fishing village from a band of bloodthirsty pirates. Once there, Eric discovers that delivering the town is but one of the problems he'll have to solve.

Can a 12 year old boy, a talking owl, a headstrong girl and an outcast dwarf save a village, much less an entire world? Find out as they set out on the journey of a lifetime to defeat an immortal pirate, face their fears, and fulfill an ancient prophecy.

The Deliverers: Sharky and the Jewel Book Review

“A fantastic, poignant, and flawless story. This book made me want to dream more and be a 12-year-old again, and join the main character’s next journey. Yes, I want a sequel. :D” – Ara of My Book and My Coffee

The copy of this book, The Deliverers: Sharky and the Jewel, was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Seriously, I don’t have any complaints about this book. As in nothing. That rarely happens. It’s kinda strange to me as well, and I'm very happy about it. Let’s talk about the story. The story, as you’ve read from the description, is about a boy named Eric Scott, a talking owl named Stig (I love this bird’s name – wait till you find out its real name), a girl from another world named Kate Endria, and an exiled dwarf named Hallo… Tosis. Yep, his last name was Tosis. :D Fun read, I tell ya. The two, Eric and Stig, were sent to a journey by the Gatekeeper, to a world that apparently needs their help, or at least someone’s help and save them from Sharky, the mean pirate, and his gang. How will they save them? That was one of my questions as well when I first started reading the book. I mean, he is only twelve years old, and it’s not like he has superpowers or anything. Plus, he will only be accompanied by an owl; yes, he talks, but what can that do? Those are my thoughts at first.

Well, the thing that I liked most about this book is that it explains (part of how it is written) the things that you, as a reader, need to know so you can connect and understand what has happened, what’s happening and what’s about to happen. I found the writing and the flow of the story to be flawless (I know, I always thought that there’s no such thing - but then again, that’s just me). This book will purposely explain the things you will need to know to be in the loop but the author knew when to hold and give out a certain information so as to give you a chance to wonder and keep reading for more. So, there's room for guessing and proving that you're a bad guesser - well, that's just me again. :D

The author did a very good job with the characters as well. You’ll love the four of them, Eric, Stig, Kate and Hallo. They are awesome. But I think, my super favorite characters are The Deliverers (Eric and Stig). I mean, Eric is a normal, pure-hearted boy who just appeared to be brave at first but, as readers, we know that he is rather scared but still trying to do what’s right. And actually, for me, he is brave - brave enough to take on this journey even though he doesn't really know what lies ahead. His intentions were good and I just love how he handled things, even the one journey that he had to take on his own. I loved those scenes. Stig is a very wise bird. Plus, I love how he talks. You’ll also love the town people, especially the Lord Mayor. I think he’s really wise and definitely knows how to lead. There was this one scene where he had to mediate between two of his people, and just how he did that was amazing. Very righteous.

Sharky’s the antagonist in this story. He’s the leader of the pirates. Well, there’s more to that but you have to read the book to find out. Let’s just say that I was really surprised to find out who he really was. I am saying too much already. :D

The story, Eric and Stig’s journey, was a lot more dangerous than expected. At least, more than what I expected and I’m thrilled with the twists and turns of the story. Let me just say that Eric and the gang have to worry about other things as well – most especially, Eric.

As a middle grade fantasy, I didn’t see any faults on how it was written, how the story was laid out and how the characters were described. Someday, I would let my son read this. He’s almost three years old now; So maybe after 10 years or so? But I know that he will love it as much as I did.

So, my lovelies, if you want a middle grade fantasy read then I recommend that you read this book. As an adult, I did enjoy it a lot and hopefully, you would too.

About the Author:

Gregory S. Slomba grew up in Connecticut reading The Phantom Tollbooth, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Lord of the Rings and dreaming of being a children's writer. After receiving his BA in English from the University of Dayton, he was raring to go. However, fate stepped in, turned everything upside down (as it so often does), and he found himself a banker. While working in the world of finance, he spent 17 years as an advisor to his church's high school youth group, writing them a Christmas story every year. After taking a four year career detour as an editor for a trade magazine, he felt ready to write his first book, The Deliverers: Sharky and the Jewel. He is currently hard at work on the sequel, which will be released early in 2013. Greg lives in Connecticut with his wife, Stephanie, and his children, Christian and Abigail.